As we consider the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. These pieces probe intricate subjects including political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing question: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the full story of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation might turn around. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the answers to who wins the global AI race.
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